According to AA, in the first nine months of 2011 witnessed slump in the petrol sales and it looks like that the trend may be visible further this year as cash-strapped motorists go on an economy drive.
The estimate comes after the organization found that in Wales, nearly two fifths have been compelled by the gloomy economic atmosphere to cut back on their petrol use.
In the period January-September 2011, sale of petrol at the pumps totalled 13.9 billion litres. This compared with 14.9 billion litres in January-September 2010 and 16.3 billion in the pre-recession period of January to September 2008.
Furthermore, the survey conducted on more than 20,000 AA members across the UK revealed that 38% wanted to drive more economically or less often in 2012.
“Wales is one of the areas, having a large rural area, [which] has been particularly heavily hit by fuel prices.It will be these rural communities that will be facing the biggest challenges in 2012 if prices at the pumps stay as high as they are at the moment,” said AA spokesman Luke Bosdet.